2013 Health Reform Changes    

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While 2014 will be a banner year for major portions of the reform law to take effect, including the opening of insurance exchanges, below are some provisions going into effect in 2013 that may affect small business owners and the self-employed. (For a more comprehensive timeline, see Kaiser's interactive tool.)

Exchange enrollment. Open enrollment for individual and small business health insurance exchanges begins Oct. 1, 2013. The exchanges will allow individuals and small businesses with up to 100 employees to shop for qualified health insurance coverage online, using a one-stop option.

Tax implications. As in recent years, dating to tax year 2010, eligible employers that provide health coverage will again get a tax credit for up to 35 percent of their contribution toward employee insurance. The credit is calculated based on average wages and number of employees; it goes up to 50 percent for tax year 2014.

High-income individuals. For singles with modified adjusted gross income over $200,000 and married taxpayers with $250,000 MAGI, a 3.8 percent Medicare contribution tax will apply for tax year 2013 to investment income, including interest, dividends, annuities, royalties and rents.

W-2 reporting. Tax form W-2s issued in January 2013 for wages paid in 2012 must for the first time include a line showing the benefit employees receive from their employer-sponsored health care. The provision is an attempt to make health-care benefits and spending more transparent. Small companies may face an increase in their W-2 preparation costs to cover gathering that information and reporting it, Starkman says.

Everyone wants to be prepared for and know what medical costs you are going to be responsible for before you get the bill. 

There are online resources come from insurers, government agencies, Internet companies and medical-care providers. The sites aren't perfect: Unlike online retailers that sell products such as televisions, the health sites can't typically give exact prices for medical procedures and services. Still, consumers can get a rough idea of typical costs in their area, and that can help them choose doctors and hospitals, budget for medical costs and sort out disputed bills.  

You can also have your doctor estimate the cost of medical treatment before you go in for any services.  A predetermination of benefits allows the medical provider -- at the consumer's request -- to send the insurance company a statement listing a proposed treatment or test, or the proposed purchase of medical equipment. The insurance company will respond with a statement of the amount you would owe, and the amount of reimbursement the insurance company will usually provide for that test, procedure, or equipment.

The predetermination process offers the consumer valuable information. It makes it possible for the consumer to review the cost and possible reimbursement for treatments or tests in advance, and allows the consumer to make an appropriate decision before the test or procedure is performed. In addition, if there's a significant difference between the estimated cost and possible reimbursement -- or if the insurer determines that the test or procedure is not covered under the policy -- the predetermination of benefits process offers an opportunity for the consumer to discuss the economic issues with the doctor or the insurer in advance.

Wellness Tip of the Month 

Healthy Holiday Gift Ideas

The holidays are quickly approaching and you still have some shopping to do. What better way to share your healthy habits with others than by buying healthy gifts this year. Whether your loved one need to focus on fitness, nutrition, SELF or all three, here are a few healthy gift ideas for everyone (even yourself).

Fitness

• iPod Armband: iPod armbands are inexpensive and very useful, obviously making them perfect for gifts! You can also shop around for other iPod fitness accessories such as a heart rate monitor, wifi scale, headphones or even a dock to jam out while cooking healthy meals at home.
• GoPro Camera: This gift is great for your friend who loves adventure.  This nifty camera can be mounted and worn on a helmet to capture angles you never would have thought to capture. Zip lining, skiing, mountain climbing... GoPro is definitely the best way to share your experience with others.
• Head Lamp: Nightfall comes sooner than we'd like these days. Don't let a little dark stop your friend from enjoying their afternoon walk, run or bike ride.
• Workout Bag: A workout bag is the perfect gift for someone on the go. You can shop around and find bags in all shapes and colors. I'd suggest getting one with a strap so it's easy to carry around and one with a couple compartments or pockets that can hold deodorant and other toiletries.

Nutrition

• Food Processor: Food processors make slicing vegetables easy and can save a lot of time.
• Tupperware: We all have that stack of random containers and lids that never seem to match up right. Buy your friend a fresh set of Tupperware so he/she can prepare healthy meals ahead of time.
• Ice Cream Maker: If your friend loves sweets, an ice cream maker may be the way to go. There are healthy versions of homemade ice cream all over the internet (even right here on H3Daily!). When making your own ice cream you know exactly what you're eating making it easier to cut back on calories.
• Air Popcorn Popper: An air popcorn maker is great for your friend who can't get enough salt. Air popcorn has fewer calories because it's not cooked oil. Just sprinkle your freshly made popcorn lightly with salt and you have a delicious snack.
• Portion Controlled Dishware: If you've attended Bob Wright's Portion Control lecture, you know all about the sneaky ways calories seem to find their way to your plate. Slimware offers unique designs to suite all personalities.

SELF

• Foam Roller: Instead of giving your friend a gift certificate for a massage they're too busy to schedule, buy him/her a foam roller. Foam rollers simulate a deep tissue massage but can be done alone and in the comfort of your own home.
• Infuser Mug: Tea is believed to improve health in several ways including boosting the immune system and lowering blood pressure. Many also feel that there's no better way to relax than with a nice cup of tea. Tea mugs with built in infusers are becoming very popular, are inexpensive and can be found at many retailers.
• Health Book or Magazine: Rest your eyes from the screen for an hour with a health book or magazine. Find out what your friend enjoys reading about and buy them a book or subscription on the topic.
•  Music: Buy your friend that CD they've been wanting or add a personal touch by creating a disk with all their favorite songs. Whether fast or slow, music seems to brighten everyone's mood.

For more gift ideas, check out some of these posts:

Healthy Holiday Gift Ideas for Cooks

Holiday Gift Guide

Load Up on Experiences, Not Stuff

H3 Healthy Kitchen Recipe